What is chocolate?

Chocolate is a confection produced from the fruit of the tropical tree Theobroma cacao. The fruit, known as cacao beans, are fermented, dried, roasted, and ground, and the resulting product is called cocoa liquor, which can be separated into cocoa butter, a smooth, solid fat used in both food and cosmetics, and cocoa powder. Cocoa butter and cocoa powder are combined in various proportions with other ingredients to produce chocolate. Common varieties of chocolate are dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate. Chocolate can be eaten on its own, but it also pairs well with dried or candied fruits, nuts, fondant, and marzipan. For the most professional results, chocolate should be tempered.

Chocolate is produced from the beans of the cacao tree, named Theobroma cacao by Linnaeus. There are three main varieties of cacao trees. The most common, the Forastero, gives us nearly 90 percent of the world's cacao crop. The beans of the Criollo, the rarest and most prized variety, are sought after by the world's best chocolate makers for their rich aroma and delicate flavor. The Trinitario variety is a cross between the Criollo and the Forastero.

Despite experiments in crossbreeding in an effort to make these three types of cacao trees more productive and pest resistant, so far the cacao remains a rather delicate and strictly tropical tree, thriving only in geographical areas within 20 degrees (about 600 miles) north and south of the equator. Only in these regions does the cacao tree find the necessary hot, stable climate (temperatures never below 680F), humidity (rainfall between 70 and 90 inches a year), damp soil, protection from the wind, and heavy shade, especially in its first two to four years of growth.

Making matters more difficult is that only 3 to 10 percent of cacao trees mature to develop full fruits. The fruit, the source of the world's chocolate and cocoa, appears in the form of green or sometimes maroon pods on the trunk of the tree and its main branches. Shaped a bit like tiny footballs, the pods ripen to a golden color or sometimes develop a scarlet hue with multicolored flecks. The Criollo produces a soft, thin-skinned pod, with a light color and a unique, pleasant aroma. The fruit of the Forastero is a thick-walled pod with a pungent aroma. The fruit of the Trinitario has some characteristics of both but generally possesses a rich, aromatic flavor.

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Continue Learning about Fats

At 9 calories per gram, fats can add up quickly in your diet, yet experts recommend that you get only 7% of your calorie intake from fat. Fats also affect your cholesterol, and there are both good and bad fats. The best kind of fa...

ts are called unsaturated fats, and can be found in oils like olive and canola oils, nuts and seeds. These fats can help your body get rid of cholesterol. Saturated fats often have had hydrogen added to them to make them more solid. Other saturated fats are found in cream, butter and meats. They can raise your blood cholesterol. Its wise to learn which is which and check nutrition labels to make proper choices.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Fats

At 9 calories per gram, fats can add up quickly in your diet, yet experts recommend that you get only 7% of your calorie intake from fat. Fats also affect your cholesterol, and there are both good and bad fats. The best kind of fats are called unsaturated fats, and can be found in oils like olive and canola oils, nuts and seeds. These fats can help your body get rid of cholesterol. Saturated fats often have had hydrogen added to them to make them more solid. Other saturated fats are found in cream, butter and meats. They can raise your blood cholesterol. Its wise to learn which is which and check nutrition labels to make proper choices.